Lady Wildcats blow past Arvin

No matter where they were playing or on what day, one thing remained constant for the Taft varsity softball team after blowing past the Arvin Bears to begin the league season.

"The girls came out and hit the ball very well," Taft coach Russell Emberson said of the first game.

With the victory, Taft improves to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the South Sequoia League.

Taft didn't waste time in their 22-0 victory Tuesday afternoon when they erupted for seven runs while sending 11batters to the plate. Caitlyn Emberson led the charge during that period of time with a two run double. Halle Neher and Tara Kelley chipped in with run scoring singles.

The Lady Wildcats did one better in the second inning when they erupted for ten runs while sending 15 batters to the plate.

Kelsey Wilmer led the charge with a two run double while Johanna Wilke had a two run single. Neher had the other hit in the inning with a run scoring single to left field.

Scoring trailed off for Taft in the third inning with the team scoring only one run without getting a hit. Taft picked up the pace again in the fourth inning with a pair of runs led by back-to-back singles from Meghan Clark and Kayla Meyer with Meyer's hit driving in a run.

The Lady Wildcats capped their scoring outburst in the top of the fifth inning with two runs led by back-to-back run scoring singles from Kayla Spoonemore and Clark.

While Taft was opening the floodgates, Pilgrim shut down Arvin's offense by throwing a no hitter through the first three innings of the game. Pilgrim gave up the first hit in the fourth but she would allow two walks the rest of the way.

The game was called after the end of the fifth inning.

Taft continued their run the following day by shutting out Arvin 19-0 at home.

In the game, Taft scored three runs in the first before opening the floodgates with 11 in the second. Taft capped their scoring with three runs in the fifth.

Neher was 3-for-3 in the game with three runs scored and five runs batted in.

Thornsberry and Wilmer each were 1-for-2 with each driving a run in. Wilmer also scored a run while Thornsberry's lone hit was a double. Davis was 3-for-3 with four runs scored and two runs batted in.

Emberson was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two runs batted. Her hits came on a double and home run.

Tracy was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Pilgrim and Corie Evans each were 1-for-4. Pilgrim also had a home run and two runs batted in.

Pezer and Martin each scored a run.

Pilgrim threw four innings while allowing a hit and striking out six batters.

Evans tossed an inning, allowing two hits and striking out two batters.

Taft steps out of league play this Saturday when they compete in the Clovis-Buchanan Tournament. The first round games begin at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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